Ultrasound training recommendations for medical and surgical specialties Third edition

Transcription

1 Ultrasound training recommendations for medical and surgical specialties June 2017

2 Contents Foreword 3 1. Introduction 4 2. Aims and principles 5 3. Training recommendations 8 4. Continuing professional development 10 Appendix 1. Urological ultrasound 12 Appendix 1. Urological ultrasound training competency assessment sheet 19 Appendix 2. Gynaecological ultrasound 22 Appendix 2. Gynaecological ultrasound competency assessment sheet 30 Appendix 3. Gastrointestinal ultrasound 34 Appendix 3. Gastrointestinal ultrasound competency assessment sheet 40 Appendix 4. Vascular ultrasound 43 Appendix 4. Vascular ultrasound competency assessment sheet 48 Appendix 5. Breast ultrasound 51 Appendix 5. Breast ultrasound competency assessment sheet 56 Appendix 6. Thoracic ultrasound 58 Appendix 6. Thoracic ultrasound competency assessment sheet 62 Appendix 7. Cranial ultrasound 63 Appendix 7. Cranial ultrasound competency assessment sheet 68 Appendix 8. Focused emergency ultrasound 69 Appendix 8. Focused emergency ultrasound competency assessment sheet 74 Appendix 9. Ultrasound training for critical/intensive care 77 Appendix 9. Critical care ultrasound training competency assessment sheet 83 Appendix 10. Head and neck ultrasound 86 Appendix 10. Head and neck ultrasound competency assessment sheet 96 Appendix 11. Muskuloskeletal ultrasound 100 Appendix 11. Muskuloskeletal ultrasound competency assessment sheet 108 Appendix 12. Recommended theory syllabus 114

3 3 Foreword In 2005, when The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) produced the first edition of these recommendations, it recognised ultrasound as an evolving technology with wide application throughout medical and surgical practice. Since then, there has been continued growth in the availability of ultrasound and with it an acknowledgement that it plays an ever-increasing role in the diagnosis and management of patients. In 2014, the College produced an updated second edition of this publication. It was recognised that in the UK, radiologists and sonographic practitioners had traditionally provided such a service from centralised departments, but there was a growing need to provide ultrasound in other settings; for instance, in the community or by the patient s bedside in critical care. The aim of the second edition was to ensure that access to high-quality ultrasound imaging continued to improve and for this to happen, ultrasound must be provided by properly trained and committed practitioners using appropriate quality ultrasound equipment. Much of the original content remains relevant and unchanged, which is a testament to the work of Rani Thind and the Working Party which produced the first edition. However, practice in this area develops continually and consequently Dr Chris Harvey was asked to review and update the recommendations. I am grateful to him for the changes which he has made for this new edition. The RCR is also indebted to Dr Andrew McQueen, and his colleagues at the British Society of Head and Neck Imaging for drafting the new head and neck appendix which is included in this edition. Dr Andrew Smethurst, Dr Robert Holmes and other members of the Clinical Radiology Professional Standards and Support Board, and the Clinical Radiology Faculty Board, are also thanked for their contributions to this publication. Richard FitzGerald Vice-President, Faculty of Clinical Radiology The Royal College of Radiologists

4 4 1. Introduction High-quality ultrasound services are provided by properly trained and committed practitioners using appropriate quality ultrasound equipment. In the UK, radiologists and sonographic practitioners have traditionally provided such a service from centralised departments of clinical radiology where equipment and manpower can be used costeffectively. Departments of clinical radiology may have difficulty responding to demands, primarily because of the national shortages of radiologists and sonographic practitioners. It is therefore essential that alternative methods of service delivery are considered. These may include the involvement of other professional groups in addition to greater investment in clinical radiology departments. Medical specialists other than radiologists are increasingly wishing to undertake ultrasound examinations on patients referred to them for their clinical opinion as a direct extension of their clinical examination. This may take place in the outpatient department, on the wards and in the assessment of emergency patients. Clinicians are also using ultrasound to assist in practical procedures such as central line insertion. A separate document is aimed at providing guidance for focused ultrasound training.1 Additionally, there is a demand by some European training boards to incorporate ultrasound experience into clinical training and accreditation where appropriate. Radiologists have the skills, experience and commitment to provide guidelines for the training of medical non-radiologists and hence influence the quality of service provided for the better. The RCR believes that this approach, of interdisciplinary co-operation, serves best the interests of patients. The RCR strongly believes that it is important that ultrasound training should be of the same high standard for both medical non-radiologists and radiologists. While ultrasound courses and workshops are useful they must be incorporated in to a robust programme of continuous training, supervision, regulation and continuing professional development (CPD to provide a safe and diagnostic ultrasound service. Training of medical non-radiologists should be adequately funded and planned so that there is minimal adverse impact on the service provided to patients and the ability of clinical radiology departments to train clinical radiologists and sonographer practitioners. This document makes recommendations for ultrasound training in the following areas: Urological ultrasound Gynaecological ultrasound Gastrointestinal ultrasound Vascular ultrasound Breast ultrasound Thoracic ultrasound Cranial ultrasound in infants Focused emergency ultrasound Intensive care ultrasound Head and neck ultrasound Musculoskeletal ultrasound.

5 5 2. Aims and principles The medical use of ultrasound remains highly operator-dependent in spite of advances in technology, and the interests of the patient are best served by the provision of an ultrasound service which offers the maximum clinical benefit and optimal use of resources; that is, with appropriately trained personnel using equipment of appropriate quality. All those who provide an ultrasound service are ethically and legally vulnerable if they have not been adequately trained. National Health Service (NHS) trusts and health boards in the UK, which provide professional indemnity to practitioners, are unlikely to be able to mount any defence to an action brought against an untrained practitioner. Similarly, the professional defence organisations are unlikely to be successful in mounting a defence against a claim for negligence should an error of diagnosis be made by an untrained practitioner of ultrasound. Advisory guidelines for training in ultrasound provided by the RCR will establish the principles to allow appropriate bodies to provide professional indemnity by setting out training and CPD recommendations. 1 Trusts, health boards, purchasing commissioners and patients should be aware of the requirements for training. An appropriate level of training in ultrasound is one that allows for the provision of a safe and effective ultrasound service. This may be a purely diagnostic, predominantly interventional or a clinically focused service. Departments of clinical radiology would normally provide all of these services, but it would be expected that other medical practitioners would deliver only those aspects of ultrasound particularly relevant to their clinical practice. Nonetheless, the training for medical non-radiologists should be to the same standard as those for radiologists, albeit restricted to the relevant and particular area of their clinical expertise. Whereas radiological training provides for the practice of ultrasound across a broad range of medical and surgical specialties, NHS trusts, health boards, purchasing commissioners and patients should be aware of the differences in the comparative depth and breadth of training, and hence ultrasound skills, between trained radiologists and trained medical nonradiologists. The RCR has worked closely for many years with The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to ensure adequate training in obstetric ultrasound and obstetric ultrasound is not covered in this publication. It is also recognised that the RCOG has its own training module for ultrasound imaging in the management of gynaecological conditions and a number of radiologists act as preceptors for this. However, a syllabus for gynaecological ultrasound has been included as there are other groups (such as general practitioners) who might wish to train in this area. The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) has proposed minimal training requirements for the practice of medical ultrasound in Europe.2 These are supported by the RCR and the British Medical Ultrasound Society. Three levels of minimum training requirements are proposed in this document. Level 1 Practice at this level would usually require the following abilities: To perform common examinations safely and accurately To recognise and differentiate normal anatomy and pathology To diagnose common abnormalities within certain organ systems To recognise when a referral for a second opinion is indicated

6 6 To understand the relationship between ultrasound imaging and other diagnostic imaging techniques. Within most medical specialties, the training required for this level of practice would be gained during conventional postgraduate specialist training programmes. In the UK, this level of training would equate to the end of basic training in ultrasound of radiology specialist registrars (SpRs) in year three or four of training. It would also be equivalent to a holder of, for example, the RCOG special skills training module in gynaecological ultrasound imaging. Level 2 Practice at this level would usually require most or all of the following abilities: To accept and manage referrals from Level 1 practitioners To recognise and correctly diagnose almost all conditions within the relevant organ system and to have sufficient understanding of ultrasound depiction of pathology to optimise the referral of the patient if the condition falls outside of the practitioner s skills To perform common non-complex ultrasound-guided invasive procedures To teach ultrasound to trainees and Level 1 practitioners To conduct some research in ultrasound. The training required for this level of practice would be gained during a period of subspecialty training which may either be within or after the completion of a specialist training programme. This would equate to the level of training in radiology at the time of acquiring the Certification of Completion of Training (CCT), assuming that part of the fifth year of subspecialty training had involved ultrasound. Level 3 This is an advanced level of practice, which includes some or all of the following abilities: To accept tertiary referrals from Level 1 and Level 2 practitioners To perform specialised ultrasound examinations To perform advanced ultrasound-guided invasive procedures To conduct substantial research in ultrasound To teach ultrasound at all levels To be aware of and to pursue developments in ultrasound. In the UK, this would equate to a consultant radiologist with a subspecialty practice which includes a significant commitment to ultrasound. The boundaries between the three levels are difficult to define precisely and the above should only be regarded as a guide to different levels of competence and experience. In the detailed syllabuses attached to this document in Appendices 1 11 an attempt is made to indicate more specifically the type of experience required for each level of training. Training in musculoskeletal ultrasound does not lend itself easily to levels of training and instead a modular approach is recommended (Appendix 11). The training of medical non-radiologists should foster relationships between radiological and non-radiological medical practitioners so that mutual support continues beyond the

7 7 initial training period. Ideally a radiologist would continue to act as a mentor for a medical non-radiologist undertaking ultrasound after their training is completed. In addition, regular multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) should continue to ensure an integrated approach to any further imaging that may be required. A system for recording the results of any ultrasound examination in the patient s record is mandatory. The permanent recording of images, where appropriate, is also mandatory for the purposes of correlative imaging, future comparison and audit. The preferred option is through the hospital radiology information system (RIS)/picture archive and communications systems (PACS) equipment, enabling other clinicians to access the images and report. Knowledge of the appropriate use and integration of other imaging techniques, as well as the clinical and economic impact of ultrasound on the demand for other imaging should be acquired. The requirement to deliver training for medical non-radiologists must acknowledge the time commitment of the trainer and trainee, the provision of funding, the content and practicability of the syllabus and the availability of trainers and training courses. It is essential that there should be minimal adverse effects on trainees in radiology and sonography. It must be recognised that training requires additional time, space and equipment. Training should be properly costed and funded. Training should be related to the specialist requirements of the trainee; that is, training should be modular. Within any one level of training, it may be appropriate for a trainee to become proficient in some but not all of the individual modules and only undertake ultrasound practice in this/these areas. Training should be given in departments which have a multidisciplinary (medical, surgical, radiological and so on) philosophy, an adequate throughput of work, a radiologist or Level 2/3 sonographer practitioner with experience and an interest in training in the module required, appropriate equipment and an active audit process. The role of sonographer practitioners in delivering some or all of this modular training should be formally recognised and agreed. Regular appraisal should take place during the training period. It must be recognised that not all trainees have the aptitude to undertake ultrasound scanning and that, some, despite undergoing training, may not acquire the appropriate skills ever to practise independently. At the end of a period of training, a competency assessment form should be completed for each trainee, which will determine the area, or areas, in which they can practise independently (see Section 3). The responsibility to be adequately trained and to maintain those skills lies with the individual practising ultrasound. An assessment of competence is a reflection on the position at the time the assessment is undertaken and no more. If sonographic practitioners are involved with competence assessment then they should be fully supported in this respect by a responsible radiologist experienced in ultrasound or another ultrasound Level 2/3 trained medical practitioner. Following training, regular and relevant CPD should be undertaken and documented. It is the responsibility of the trainee to ensure that their practical skills are maintained by ensuring that regular ultrasound sessions are undertaken and that there is an adequate range of pathology seen in their ultrasound practice.

8 8 It is important that the ultrasound equipment is adequately serviced and maintained to allow the acquisition of diagnostic images. Parameters that affect performance include scanners, transducers, image quality and quality assurance, safety, equipment replacement and the scanning environment. This area is more fully covered by the RCR guideline Standards for the provision of an ultrasound service.3 3. Training recommendations Training should consist of both theoretical and practical syllabuses. Theoretical training Preliminary theoretical training should cover the physics of ultrasound, levels and sophistication of equipment, image recording, reporting, artefacts and the relevance of other imaging modalities to ultrasound. This element of training may be best delivered by linking with some of the excellent courses run by university departments accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE). The Radiology-integrated training initiative (R-ITI), a free resource, includes eight sections on theoretical principles. Other online resources offering theoretical training and guidance include British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS), RCR, Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Sonoworld, Radiopaedia and the Radiology Events and Discrepancies (READ) newsletter. The theoretical syllabus is set out in Appendix 12. Practical training A syllabus for each area of ultrasound specialisation structured into the three levels of training has been developed, incorporating theoretical training on anatomy and pathology and a practical syllabus listing conditions which should be included in the experience of the trainee (Appendices 1 11). A modular anatomical approach is recommended for musculoskeletal ultrasound (for example, a trainee may become proficient in shoulder ultrasound alone), as set out in Appendix 11. In other areas of ultrasound specialisation, in appropriate circumstances, a limited anatomical or modular approach may also be acceptable if full competence in that area is demonstrated and future clinical practice is confined to that area alone. Practical experience should be gained under the guidance of a named supervisor trained in ultrasound within a training department. In the context of advice from the RCR, this would normally be in a department of clinical radiology. There may be some areas of ultrasound practice which are not covered by these modules such as intraoperative ultrasound and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Where required, training modules based on similar principles should be developed for any area of ultrasound practice not covered in this publication. Many centres in the UK now offer excellent practical training with the use of simulators allowing the development of ultrasound technical and diagnostic skills prior to or as an adjunct to patient exposure. The syllabuses set out in Appendices 1 11 include a competency assessment sheet for training. This should be completed during the course of training as it will help to determine in which areas(s) the trainee can practise independently (see Section 2).

9 9 The requirements for the different levels of training are as follows: Level 1 Different trainees will acquire the necessary skills at different rates and the endpoint of the training programme should be judged by an assessment of practical competence. Examinations should encompass the full range of pathological conditions listed in the syllabuses. A logbook listing the number and type of examinations undertaken by the trainee themselves should be kept. An illustrated logbook of specific normal and abnormal findings may be appropriate for some syllabuses. Training should usually be supervised by a Level 2/3 practitioner. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to delegate some or most of this supervision to a Level 1 practitioner with at least two years experience of Level 1 practice. Level 2 This usually requires at least one year of experience at Level 1, with the equivalent of at least one session per week. A significant further number of examinations should have been undertaken in order to encompass the full range of conditions and procedures encountered in each module. A logbook listing the numbers and types of examinations undertaken by the trainee should be maintained. An illustrated logbook of specific normal and abnormal findings may be appropriate for some syllabuses. Supervision of training should be undertaken by someone who has achieved at least Level 2 competence and has had at least two years experience at that Level. Level 3 This requires practitioners to spend a significant part of their time undertaking ultrasound examinations, teaching, research and development. They will have undertaken a continuous period of sub-specialist training in which ultrasound will have been a significant component. They will be able to perform specialised examinations at the leading edge of ultrasound practice such as the use of intravascular ultrasound contrast agents and the performance of advanced ultrasound- guided invasive procedures. The syllabuses for each area of ultrasound specialisation are outlined in Appendices 1 11.

10 10 4. Continuing professional development The minimum amount of ongoing experience in ultrasound as outlined in each syllabus should be maintained. CPD should be undertaken which incorporates elements of ultrasound practice. This should be included in the annual appraisal and revalidation process. Trainees should keep detailed log books to document cases, teaching, training and CPD with reflections to build their own US portfolio as part of appraisal and revalidation. Membership of an ultrasound society such as BMUS or other relevant specialty society is strongly encouraged. Regular audit of the individual s ultrasound practice should be undertaken to demonstrate that the indications, performance and diagnostic quality of the service are all satisfactory. The audit process should be independent and the format should be in line with RCR recommendations. 4 Evidence of audit should be available to commissioners of the service if required. Audit templates can be submitted via the RCR s Clinical Radiology AuditLive.4 The individual should take part in learning from discrepancy meetings as part of a feedback and learning process. The individual should keep up to date with the relevant literature. The individual should attend regular MDTMs and have an ultrasound mentor. This document was approved by the Board of the Faculty of Clinical Radiology on 23 February 2017.

11 11 References 1. The Royal College of Radiologists. Focused ultrasound training standards. London: The Royal College of Radiologists, (last accessed 19/5/17). 3. The Royal College of Radiologists and the Society and College of Radiographers. Standards for the provision of an ultrasound service. London: The Royal College of Radiologists, (last accessed 19/5/17) 5. Perros P, Boelaert, Colley S K et al. Guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014; 81(Suppl 1):

12 12 Appendix 1. Urological ultrasound This curriculum is intended for clinicians who perform diagnostic urological ultrasound and ultrasound-guided urological intervention. At least Level 1 should be obtained by anyone performing unsupervised diagnostic imaging. Focused training and practice There are frequent situations arising in clinical practice where rapid bedside assessment using focused ultrasound techniques can help with the assessment of, and treatment planning for, patients. In this situation, rapid ultrasound assessment by a competent nonradiological clinician may be more appropriate than waiting for a formal ultrasound list during normal working hours. Some clinicians may wish to focus on only one skill such as deciding whether the collecting systems/ureters are dilated or not, placing a suprapubic catheter, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsies and so on. These unitary skills may aid the clinician s practice and greatly improve patient pathways. Each clinician will have their own requirement for focused training and to accommodate their training requirements, a targeted curriculum and syllabus should be created by local trainers, drawing on appropriate elements of the knowledge base and competencies to be acquired from Levels 1 2, depending on the level of practice expected. An example syllabus is included in the RCR s focused ultrasound document; for example, suprapubic catheterisation.1 It is essential that all ultrasound examinations that may have any influence on patient management are performed by individuals who are competent to provide an accurate examination and assessment and that the images and a formal report are recorded on a RIS/ PACS system. Level 1. Knowledge base Physics and technology, ultrasound techniques and administration (see Appendix 12) Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Kidneys Ureters Other retroperitoneal structures (adrenals, aorta, inferior vena cava [IVC]) Bladder Seminal vesicles Prostate

13 13 Scrotal contents Other pelvic structures (uterus, ovaries, lymph nodes, vessels, bowel) Pathology in relation to ultrasound Kidneys: congenital anomalies, cysts, tumours (benign and malignant), stones, collecting system dilatation, renal and peri-renal abscesses, trauma, diffuse renal diseases Ureters: dilatation, obstruction Bladder: tumours, diverticula, wall thickening, calculi, volume estimation Prostate: infection, hyperplasia, tumours Scrotal contents: testicular tumours, cysts, torsion, hydrocele, inflammatory problems, trauma Level 1. Training and practice Practical training should involve at least one ultrasound list per week over a period of three to six months, with approximately five to ten examinations performed by the trainee (under supervision) per session. A minimum of 250 examinations should be undertaken. However, different trainees will acquire the necessary skills at different rates, and the endpoint of the training programme should be judged by an assessment of competencies. Examinations should encompass the full range of pathological conditions listed below. A logbook listing the types of examinations undertaken should be kept. Training should be supervised either by someone who has obtained at least Level 2 competence in urological ultrasound or by a Level 1 practitioner with at least two years experience of Level 1 practice. Trainees should attend an appropriate theoretical course and should read appropriate textbooks and literature. During the course of training, the competency assessment sheet should be completed as this will determine in which area or areas the trainee can practise independently.

14 14 Level 1. Competencies to be acquired Kidneys To be able to: Perform a thorough ultrasound examination of the kidneys in different planes Recognise normal renal ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Measure renal length and assess variation from normality Recognise and assess the degree of collecting system dilatation Recognise and diagnose simple cysts Recognise complex cysts and refer for appropriate further investigation Recognise renal tumours and refer for appropriate further investigation Recognise and diagnose renal stones Recognise peri-renal abnormalities and refer for appropriate further investigation Recognise abnormalities which need referral for scanning by a more experienced ultrasonologist and/or further investigation. Bladder To be able to: Perform a thorough ultrasound examination of the bladder in different planes Recognise normal ultrasonic anatomy of the bladder and common normal variants Measure bladder volume Recognise and diagnose bladder diverticula Recognise and assess bladder tumours Recognise bladder calculi Use colour Doppler to assess ureteric jets Recognise abnormalities which need referral to a more experienced ultrasonologist and/or for further investigation.

15 15 Scrotum To be able to: Perform a thorough ultrasound examination of the scrotal contents in different planes Recognise normal ultrasonic anatomy of the testes and epididymi and common normal variants Recognise and diagnose epididymal cysts Recognise and diagnose varicoceles Use Doppler to help differentiate torsion/inflammatory problems Recognise and assess intra-scrotal and intra-testicular calcifications Recognise and assess testicular tumours Recognise inflammatory changes in testes and epididymides Recognise abnormalities which need referral to a more experienced ultrasonologist and/or for further investigation. Prostate To be able to: Recognise normal ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Perform transrectal ultrasound Measure prostatic volume Identify abnormal focal lesions Recognise abnormalities which need referral to a more experienced ultrasonologist and/or for further investigation. Other To be able to recognise and, where appropriate, refer for further investigation: Normal aorta and aortic aneurysm Normal liver and liver masses Normal uterus and ovaries and gynaecological masses.

16 16 To be able to use ultrasound in the assessment of patients presenting with: Haematuria Loin pain/renal colic Loin mass Lower urinary tract symptoms Recurrent urinary tract infections Suprapubic mass Palpable masses in the scrotum Scrotal pain. Level 2. Knowledge base Physics and technology In-depth knowledge and understanding of the physics of ultrasound In-depth knowledge and understanding of the technology of ultrasound equipment Ultrasound techniques The advanced use of Doppler ultrasound, including spectral, colour and power Doppler The use of ultrasound for guiding interventional procedures Further applications of transabdominal ultrasound Further application of endocavity ultrasound (for example, transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound) Intraoperative ultrasound Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy The normal renal and pelvic vasculature, including an understanding of the Doppler signals obtained from these vessels More detailed knowledge of structures outside the urinary tract in the abdomen and pelvis Ultrasound anatomy of the penis and female genital organs

17 17 Level 2. Training and practice Practical training should involve at least one year of experience at Level 1 with a minimum of one session per week. A further 600 examinations should have been undertaken in order to encompass the full range of conditions and procedures referred to below. A logbook listing all examinations undertaken should be kept. Supervision of training should be undertaken by someone who has achieved at least Level 2 competence in urological ultrasound, has had at least two years experience at that Level, and who would normally be of consultant status. A Level 2 practitioner will be able to accept referrals from Level 1 practitioners. Level 2. Competencies to be acquired Competencies will have been gained during training for Level 1 practice, and refined during a period of clinical practice. Kidneys, bladder, prostate, scrotal contents To be able to: Recognise all pathology affecting the urinary tract and provide an accurate diagnosis in almost all cases Recognise abnormalities which are outside of their experience and refer on appropriately Perform ultrasound-guided invasive procedures, including cyst aspiration, abscess drainage, renal biopsy, percutaneous nephrostomy, suprapubic bladder catheter insertion and transrectal prostate biopsies Perform Doppler ultrasound studies relevant to the urinary tract Recognise abnormalities elsewhere in the abdomen and pelvis which need referral for scanning by another ultrasonologist and/or further investigation Level 3. Training and practice A Level 3 practitioner is likely to spend the majority of their time undertaking urological ultrasound, teaching, research and development and will be an expert in this area.

18 18 They will have spent a continuous period of specialist training in urological ultrasound. They will perform specialised examinations at the leading edge of ultrasound practice. They will accept tertiary referrals from Level 1 and Level 2 practitioners and will perform specialised examinations (for example, the use of intravascular ultrasound agents in evaluating possible malignancy) as well as performing advanced ultrasound-guided invasive procedures. Maintenance of skills: all levels Having been assessed as competent to practise, there will be a need for CPD and maintenance of practical skills. A specialist registrar will need to continue to perform ultrasound scans throughout the remainder of their training programme. Such further ultrasound practice may be intermittent, but no more than three months should elapse without trainees using their ultrasound skills, and at least 100 examinations should be performed per year. A medical practitioner performing Level 1 ultrasound should continue to perform at least 250 ultrasound examinations per year on a regular basis, should have regular meetings with radiological colleagues and should have a named radiologist as an ultrasound mentor. Practitioners should: Include ultrasound in their ongoing CPD which should for part of their annual appraisal and revalidation Audit their practice Participate in multidisciplinary meetings Keep up to date with relevant literature. Approved by the British Association of Urological Surgeons.

19 19 Appendix 1. Urological ultrasound training competency assessment sheet Trainee: Core knowledge base Level 1 Physics and technology Practical instrumentation/use of ultrasound controls Ultrasound techniques Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Administration Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Pathology in relation to ultrasound Competencies/skills to be acquired Level 1 Kidneys Ultrasound examination in different planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Renal length and variation from normality Collecting system dilatation Simple cysts Complex cysts Tumours Stones Scrotum Ultrasound examination in different planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Epididymal cysts Varicoceles Intrascrotal and intratesticular calcifications Tumours Inflammatory changes in testes and epididymides Use Doppler to help differentiate torsion/inflammatory problems

20 20 Trainee: Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Peri-renal abnormalities Bladder Ultrasound examination in different planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Bladder volume Diverticula Tumours Calculi Use colour Doppler to assess ureteric jets Prostate Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Transrectal ultrasound Prostatic volume Abnormal focal lesions Other To be able to recognise normal aorta and aortic aneurysm To be able to recognise n ormal liver and liver masses To be able to recognise normal uterus and ovaries and gynaecological masses Use ultrasound in the assessment of patients presenting with: Haematuria Loin pain/renal colic Loin mass Lower urinary tract symptoms Recurrent urinary tract infection Suprapubic mass Palpable scrotal masses Scrotal pain Know when to refer to a more expert ultrasonologist

21 21 Trainee: Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Core knowledge base Level 2 Physics and technology Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Ultrasound techniques Competencies/skills to be acquired Level 2 To be competent to perform/recognise the following: Pathology affecting the urinary tract and provide an accurate diagnosis in almost all cases Abnormalities which are outside of their personal experience and refer on appropriately Doppler ultrasound studies relevant to the urinary tract Abnormalities elsewhere in the abdomen and pelvis which need referral for scanning by another ultrasonologist and/or further investigation Ultrasound-guided invasive procedures, including cyst aspiration, abscess drainage, renal biopsy, percutaneous nephrostomy trans-rectal prostate biopsies and suprapubic bladder catheter insertion

22 22 Appendix 2. Gynaecological ultrasound This curriculum is intended for clinicians who perform diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided intervention. At least Level 1 should be obtained by anyone performing unsupervised diagnostic imaging. Focused training and practice There are frequent situations arising in clinical practice where rapid bedside assessment using focused ultrasound techniques can help with the assessment of, and treatment planning for, patients. In this situation, rapid ultrasound assessment by a competent non-radiological clinician may be more appropriate than waiting for a formal ultrasound list during normal working hours. Some clinicians may wish to focus on only one skill such as recognising the appearances of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCDs) to aid localisation, or the identification and characterisation of pelvic masses. These unitary skills may aid the clinician s practice and greatly improve patient pathways. Each clinician will have their own requirement for focused training and to accommodate their training requirements, a targeted curriculum and syllabus should be created by local trainers, drawing on appropriate elements of the knowledge base and competencies to be acquired from Levels 1 2, depending on the level of practice expected. It is essential that all ultrasound examinations that may have any influence on patient management are performed by individuals who are competent to provide an accurate examination and assessment and that the images and a formal report are recorded on a RIS/ PACS system. Level 1. Knowledge base Physics and technology, ultrasound techniques and administration and report writing (see Appendix 12) The techniques of transabdominal and transvaginal scanning are essential A full understanding of the issues relating to the performance of intimate examinations and the importance of informed consent for the procedures is emphasised Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Uterus (including physiological changes with age and cycle) Ovaries (including physiological changes with age and menstrual cycle) Cervix and vagina First trimester gestation appearances

23 23 Bladder and urethra Associated structures; omentum and peritoneal fluid Pathology in relation to ultrasound Uterus: fibroids, adenomyosis, IUCDs, endometrial hyperplasia, polyps and tumours Ovaries: cysts and their complications, endometrioma, tumours, inflammation and infection, polycystic and hyperstimulated ovaries, torsion Fallopian tubes: hydro/pyo-salpinges Cervix and vagina: congenital lesions, cysts, tumour, retained foreign bodies First trimester: location, viability, biometry, to include fetal number and chorionicity, ectopic pregnancy, signs of non-viability, haemorrhage, retained products of conception Bladder and urethra: volume estimation diverticula, wall thickening, calculi, tumours, peri-urethral cysts and abscesses Other pelvic pathology to recognise deviation from normal, for example, free fluid or masses Level 1. Training and practice Practical training should involve at least 30 ultrasound sessions within a period of six months with approximately three to eight examinations performed by the trainee (under supervision) per session. However, different trainees will acquire the necessary skills at different rates and the endpoint of the training programme should be judged by an assessment of competencies to perform and report an ultrasound examination. Examinations should ideally encompass the full range of pathological conditions listed below. For some practitioners with Level 1 competencies in only one area of practice, the training and competency assessment in these areas only can be obtained (for example, in the assessment of early pregnancy clinics or postmenopausal patients). A logbook listing the type of examinations undertaken should be kept. Training should be supervised either by someone who has obtained at least Level 2 competence in gynaecological ultrasound or by a Level 1 practitioner with at least two years experience of Level 1 practice. Trainees should attend an appropriate theoretical course and should read appropriate textbooks and literature.

24 24 During the course of training, the competency assessment sheet should be completed as this will determine in which area or areas the trainee can practise independently. Level 1. Competencies to be acquired Early pregnancy To be able to: Define pregnancy locality by ultrasound signs Recognise signs of viability/non-viability Recognise normal appearances as gestation advances Recognise signs of ectopic pregnancy Identify multiple pregnancy and chorionicity Date pregnancy by crown rump length (CRL) Recognise signs of haemorrhage Recognise signs of retained products of conception Understand the role of ultrasound in the setting of early pregnancy clinical pathways and laboratory findings Understand the terms and recognise the ultrasound findings in pregnancies of unknown location and pregnancy of uncertain viability Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Abnormal vaginal bleeding To be able to: Recognise normal and abnormal endometrial thickness Recognise features of endometrial polyps/carcinoma Recognise features of atrophic endometrium Recognise features of fibroids and their localisation

25 25 Recognise appearances of IUCDs and their localisation Recognise when further investigation is required and what to ask for Understand the need for further referral and clinical pathways Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Pelvic pain To be able to: Recognise features of ovarian cyst torsion, rupture or haemorrhage Recognise features of endometrioma Recognise appearances of hydrosalpinges Recognise features of pelvic inflammatory disease Recognise non-gynaecological causes of pelvic pain Understand the need for further referral and clinical pathways Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Pelvic mass To be able to: Recognise typical appearances of uterine and ovarian masses Recognise features suggesting benign or malignant pathology Recognise variations from normal suggesting non-gynaecological causes of a pelvic mass Understand the need for further referral and clinical pathways Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Reproductive medicine To be able to: Recognise features of the endometrium at different stages of the menstrual cycle

26 26 Recognise features of the ovary at different stages of the menstrual cycle Recognise features of a stimulated and hyperstimulated ovary Recognise features of a polycystic ovary Understand the need for further referral and clinical pathways Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Bladder To be able to: Perform an ultrasound examination of the bladder in different planes Recognise normal anatomy of the bladder and common normal variants Measure bladder volume Recognise and diagnose bladder diverticula Recognise bladder tumours Recognise bladder calculi Recognise variations from normal/abnormalities which need referral for scanning by a more experienced ultrasonologist and/or further investigation Understand the need for further referral and clinical pathways Write a structured report of the ultrasound findings. Practitioners should: Include ultrasound in their ongoing CPD Audit their practice. Level 2. Knowledge base Physics and technology In-depth knowledge and understanding of the physics of ultrasound In-depth knowledge and understanding of the technology of ultrasound equipment Ultrasound techniques

27 27 The advanced use of Doppler ultrasound, including spectral, colour and power Doppler The use of ultrasound for guiding interventional procedures Further applications of transabdominal ultrasound Further applications of transvaginal ultrasound: saline infusion hysterography (SIH), hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HyCoSy) Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy The normal pelvic and gynaecological organ vasculature, including an understanding of the Doppler signals obtained from these vessels More detailed knowledge of structures outside the female reproductive tract in the pelvis Level 2. Training and practice Practical training should include at least one year of experience at Level 1 with a minimum of the equivalent of one session per week. A further 600 examinations should have been undertaken in order to encompass the full range of conditions and procedures referred to below. A logbook listing all examinations undertaken should be kept. Supervision of training should be undertaken by someone who has achieved at least Level 2 competence in gynaecological ultrasound, has had at least two years experience at that level and who would normally be of consultant status. A Level 2 practitioner will be able to accept referrals from Level 1 practitioners. Level 2. Competencies to be acquired Competencies will have been gained during training for Level 1 practice and refined during a period of clinical practice. Female reproductive tract To be able to: Recognise and correctly diagnose almost all pathology affecting the female genital tract Perform Doppler ultrasound studies relevant to the uterus and ovaries

28 28 Recognise abnormalities elsewhere in the and pelvis which need referral for scanning by another ultrasonologist and/or further investigation. In addition specifically to be able to recognise and evaluate: Causes of an abnormal Doppler waveform Changes associated with precocious puberty, thelarche, adrenarche and virilisation Congenital anomalies Features of lymph nodes in the inguinal and iliac chains Bartholin s cysts, abscesses and periurethral lesions Features of haematocolpos Features of adenomyosis Non-ovarian endometriosis Non-gynaecological causes of pelvic pain and how to diagnose appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel cancer, hernias, aneurysms and bladder disease Different types of complex ovarian masses The principles of oocyte collection by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of follicles. Practitioners should: Include ultrasound in their ongoing CPD Audit their practice. Level 3. Training and practice A Level 3 practitioner is likely to spend the majority of their time undertaking gynaecological ultrasound, teaching, research and development. They will have spent a continuous period of specialist training in gynaecological ultrasound. They will accept tertiary referrals from Level 1 and 2 practitioners. They will perform specialised examinations at the leading edge of ultrasound practice.

29 29 Maintenance of skills: all levels Having been assessed as competent to practise, there will be a need for CPD and maintenance of practical skills. Once trained and assessment of competencies confirmed, the practitioner will need to continue to perform ultrasound throughout the remainder of their training programme. Such further ultrasound practice may be intermittent, but no more than three months should elapse without the trainee using their scanning skills, and competency with evidence of sufficient scanning to maintain these competencies. All practitioners should work in a team in order to maintain competencies. Practitioners should: Include ultrasound in their ongoing CPD which should be included in annual appraisal and revalidation Audit their practice Participate in multidisciplinary meetings Keep up to date with relevant literature.

30 30 Appendix 2. Gynaecological ultrasound competency assessment sheet Trainee: Core knowledge base Level 1 Physics and technology Practical instrumentation/use of ultrasound controls Ultrasound techniques Techniques of transabdominal and transvaginal scanning Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Administration Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Pathology in relation to ultrasound Issues regarding intimate examinations Competencies/skills to be acquired Level 1 Early pregnancy Dating pregnancy Signs of non-viability Multiple pregnancy and chorionicity Haemorrhage Retained products of conception Ectopic pregnancy Vaginal bleeding Reproductive medicine Endometrial changes with menstrual cycles Ovarian changes with menstrual cycle Polycystic ovaries Stimulated and hyperstimulated ovaries Kidneys Ultrasound examination in different scan planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants

31 31 Trainee: Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Fibroids and their localisation IUCDs and their localisation Normal and abnormal endometrial thickness Atrophic and hyperplastic endometrium Endometrial polyps Pelvic pain Ovarian cyst complications Endometriosis Pelvic inflammatory disease Non-gynaecological causes of pain Pelvic mass Identification Organ of origin of mass Benign versus malignant features Renal length Collecting system dilatation Cysts Tumours Stones Bladder Ultrasound examination in different planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants Bladder volume Bladder diverticula Tumours Calculi Ultrasound examination in different planes Ultrasonic anatomy and common normal variants

32 32 Trainee: Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date General Know when to refer to a more expert ultrasonologist Core knowledge base Level 2 Physics and technology Sectional and ultrasonic anatomy Ultrasound techniques Female reproductive tract Almost all pathology affecting the female genitourinary tract Ultrasound-guided invasive procedures, including ascitic drainage, omental biopsy, pelvic mass biopsy (transabdominal or transvaginal), lymph node aspiration, SIH and HyCoSy Doppler ultrasound studies relevant to the uterus and ovaries Abnormalities elsewhere in the abdomen and pelvis which need referral for scanning by another ultrasonologist and/or further investigation Bartholin s cysts, abscesses and periurethral lesions Features of haematocolpos Features of adenomyosis Non-ovarian endometriosis

33 33 Trainee: Trainer: Trainer signature Date Trainer signature Date Stage ovarian and uterine tumours Other Causes of an abnormal Doppler waveform Changes associated with precocious puberty, thelarche, adrenarche and virilisation Congenital anomalies Features of lymph nodes in the inguinal and iliac chains Non-gynaecological causes of pelvic pain and how to diagnose appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel cancer, hernias, aneurysms and bladder disease Different types of complex ovarian masses Malignant disease of the omentum, peritoneum and the rest of the abdomen Features of pleural effusions Common sites and features of tumours that metastasise to the pelvis The principles of oocyte collection by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of follicles